Pearce Named Denver Cup MVP

A year ago Joe Pearce was not playing hockey. As a sophomore, Joe Pearce was not asked to return to Boston College to make room for freshman Cory Schneider. The Eagles did not want him. The Lightning, looking to protect the investment of a 2002 5th round pick, asked Pearce to forego his elligibility and turn pro. Pearce listened to neither, and stayed in school in pursuit of his degree. His patience has paid off.
This year, with Schneider scheduled to be Team USA's starter at the World Junior Championships, Boston College knew they needed an experienced netminder to fill the void in his absence. Joe Pearce answered the call. After defeating Ferris State in a 4-3 shootout win on Friday, Pearce defeated Princeton 5-1 on Saturday [url=http://bceagles.collegesports.com/sports/m-hockey/recaps/010106aab.html]to help Boston College win the Denver Cup. Pearce himself was named MVP of the tournament[/url] posting a 1.92 GAA and .930 save percentage in the two games. Pearce has a year of NCAA elligibility left after this season. With the Lightning in possession of a glut of goaltending prospects, it's uncertain what Pearce's future with the Lightning will be. But for this weekend, Joe Pearce can definitely savor what he patiently waited for last season.